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Day 2 of the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Newlands, Cape Town, took an unexpected turn when a South African commentator made disparaging remarks about the English-speaking abilities of Pakistan cricketers. The incident not only ignited controversy but also shifted focus from the on-field action to questions of respect and professionalism in cricket commentary.
Controversial remarks by a South African commentator
The contentious moment occurred during the sixth over of Pakistan’s second innings, as Kamran Ghulam defended a delivery from Marco Jansen and called out a loud “Wait” to his partner, Babar Azam. The commentator took this opportunity to share an anecdote about playing alongside Pakistan batter Khurram Mansoor in Abu Dhabi. He remarked that Manzoor, like many other Pakistan players, made loud calls in English on the field but struggled to communicate fluently in English during post-match interviews. The comment was followed by laughter, creating an impression of mockery directed at the linguistic abilities of Pakistani players.
Here’s the video:
South African commentator is making fun of Pakistani players on their English speaking skills.
This is bullying on live TV to say the least & should not be tolerated at all.
Listen carefully👇👇👇@ICC @TheRealPCB #PakistanCricket #PAKvsSA #SAvsPAK #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/ptJc3zNlzP
— Cric Doctor (@CricDoctor_) January 4, 2025
Marco Jansen’s magic: Fall of Kamran Ghulam
On the next ball after the incident, Jansen picked the key wicket of Ghulam, Bowling from around the wicket, Jansen angled the ball in sharply with a full length, targeting the stumps. Khurram, unsure of his footwork, was caught rooted to the crease and attempted a defensive shot. However, the ball zipped through the narrow gap between his bat and pad, crashing into the stumps in spectacular fashion. The combination of late movement and Jansen’s accuracy proved too challenging for Khurram. This dismissal highlighted Jansen’s ability to create awkward angles and exploit weaknesses in Pakistan’s batting. With Pakistan reduced to 18/3, Jansen’s double strike left the visitors in deep trouble.
Also READ: South Africa’s AB de Villiers reveals his Test XI of 2024 ft. Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa’s dominance over Pakistan in the Cape Town Test
The second Test between South Africa and Pakistan so far saw a commanding performance from South Africa, who declared their first innings at a massive 615, thanks to Ryan Rickelton ‘s marathon 259 and a crucial century from Kyle Verreynne. South Africa’s innings was highlighted by partnerships that wore down the Pakistan bowling attack, which struggled in the absence of premier pacers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Shahzad. Despite breakthroughs from Mohammad Abbas and Agha Salman, Pakistan failed to capitalize on early wickets, allowing the hosts to dictate terms.
In response, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing Shan Masood for just 2 and Saud Shakeel for a duck, both dismissed by a fiery Kagiso Rabada. Jansen added to Pakistan’s woes, removing Ghulam early in the innings. At stumps on Day 2, Pakistan found themselves precariously placed at 64/3, still trailing by 551 runs, with Babar (31 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (9 not out) tasked with rebuilding the innings.
